Method for sealing a laminated electrochromic device edge

Abstract

A method for sealing the circumferential edge region of a laminated electrochromic device is disclosed. The method involves cutting a circumferential groove into the edge region of the device at the ion-conducting interface of its substrates. Sealant is then applied to the groove. Sealed devices are also disclosed.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for sealing the circumferential edge region of a laminated electrochromic device comprising first and second substrates and an ion-conducting material layer disposed between said first and second substrates, said method comprising: a) cutting, edging, molding or shaping at least one of said substrates so as to form a groove in the circumferential edge region of said laminated electrochromic device; and b) applying a sealant to said groove, thereby causing said sealant to contact said ion-conducting material layer. 
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1, wherein said device is an electrochromic lens. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1, wherein the outer surfaces of each of said first and second substrates are cut, edged, molded or shaped so as to form a symmetrical groove in said circumferential edge region. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 3, wherein said symmetrical groove is V-shaped. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 4, wherein said groove is made by edging each of said substrates so as to form matching beveled surfaces. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 1, wherein cutting, edging, molding or shaping occurs prior to lamination of said substrates. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 6, wherein said first and second substrates are eyewear lenses. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 2, wherein said first and second substrates are eyewear lenses. 
     
     
       9. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one bus bar is disposed in said groove. 
     
     
       10. A method for sealing the circumferential edge region of a laminated electrochromic device, wherein said circumferential edge region comprises the outer peripheral surfaces of first and second substrates and the outer peripheral surface of an ion-conducting material layer, said method comprising: a) cutting, edging, molding or shaping the outer peripheral surface of at least one of said substrates so as to form a groove in the circumferential edge region of said laminated electrochromic device which is contiguous with the outer peripheral surface of said ion-conducting material layer; and b) applying a sealant to said groove. 
     
     
       11. The method of claim 10, wherein said device is an electrochromic lens. 
     
     
       12. The method of claim 10, wherein the outer surfaces of each of said first and second substrates are cut, edged, molded or shaped so as to form a symmetrical groove in said circumferential edge region. 
     
     
       13. A laminated electrochromic device comprising an ion-conducting material layer disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate, said device having a circumferential edge region characterized by a groove containing a sealant in contact with said ion-conducting material layer, wherein said groove is formed by cutting, edging, molding or shaping at least one of said substrates. 
     
     
       14. The device of claim 13, wherein said first and second substrates are eyewear lenses. 
     
     
       15. The device of claim 13, wherein said groove is formed by cutting, edging, molding or shaping each of said substrates. 
     
     
       16. The device of claim 14, wherein said groove is formed by cutting, edging, molding or shaping each of said lenses. 
     
     
       17. The device of claim 15, wherein said groove is made by edging each of said substrates so as to form matching beveled surfaces. 
     
     
       18. The device of claim 13, wherein said groove is V-shaped. 
     
     
       19. The device of claim 13, wherein at least one bus bar is disposed in said groove. 
     
     
       20. The device of claim 14, wherein at least one bus bar is disposed in said groove. 
     
     
       21. A laminated electrochromic lens comprising an ion-conducting polymer layer disposed between the mating surfaces of first and second eyewear lenses, said laminated electrochromic lens having an edge region prone to moisture gain or loss through the outer peripheral surface of said ion-conducting polymer layer, wherein said edge region contains a groove formed by cutting, edging, molding or shaping at least one of said eyewear lenses, wherein said groove is positioned so as to locate the outer peripheral surface of said ion-conducting polymer layer within said groove and wherein said groove contains a sealant in contact with the outer peripheral surface of said ion-conducting polymer layer. 
     
     
       22. The electrochromic lens of claim 21, wherein said ion-conducting polymer is an ionomer. 
     
     
       23. The electrochromic lens of claim 21, wherein said ion-conducting polymer is an AMPSA homopolymer or copolymer.